Final answer:
The first step in Everett Rogers' Diffusion theory's adoption process is awareness. This step precedes interest, evaluation, trial, and eventual adoption, depicting the journey of an innovation from inception to widespread societal integration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of an "adoption process" in Everett Rogers' Diffusion theory outlines the stages through which an innovation travels from its inception to its widespread adoption within a society. The first step in this adoption process is e. awareness. Awareness precedes other stages such as interest, evaluation, trial, and eventual adoption.
Everett Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory is fundamental in understanding how cultural diffusion aids in the spread of new social practices, technologies, and ideologies. It highlights the gradual acceptance and integration of an innovation into society, starting with the innovators, followed by the early adopters, the early majority, the late majority, and finally the laggards. This theory has profound implications for business, technology, and cultural assimilation.
According to Rogers, when individuals or societies become aware of a new idea or product, they begin to consider its potential relevance or advantage, paving the way for subsequent evaluation, trial usage, and, if satisfactory, full adoption.